The Impacts of Plastic Waste from Personal Protective Equipment Used during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Autor: Anelise Leal Vieira Cubas, Elisa Helena Siegel Moecke, Ana Paula Provin, Ana Regina Aguiar Dutra, Marina Medeiros Machado, Isabel C. Gouveia
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2023
Předmět:
Zdroj: Polymers, Vol 15, Iss 15, p 3151 (2023)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2073-4360
DOI: 10.3390/polym15153151
Popis: The period from 2019 to 2022 has been defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented demand for and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, the disposal of PPE without considering its environmental impact and proper waste management practices has become a growing concern. The increased demand for PPE during the pandemic and associated waste management practices have been analyzed. Additionally, the discussion around treating these residues and exploring more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable or reusable PPE, is crucial. The extensive use of predominantly non-degradable plastics in PPE has led to their accumulation in landfills, with potential consequences for marine environments through the formation of microplastics. Therefore, this article seeks to establish a connection between these issues and the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of efficient management aligned with sustainable development objectives to address these emerging challenges and ensure a more sustainable future.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals
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